DRS: Umpires find a way out

It is well known that the rest of the cricket world has no issues with the Decision Review System (DRS) but the BCCI, and its senior players are opposed to it, pointing out that technology used is not fool-proof.

But a lack of fall back option can embarrass umpires officiating in India matches if TV replays show they were wrong.

So, they seem to be getting smarter; seeking two answers for one question which on the face of it appears a practical way to circumvent the absence of DRS.

Doing the master inNow, Sachin Tendulkar’s possible farewell Test in Hyderabad drew a crowd of around 25,000 on Monday, but he fell cheaply.

The batsman is also not a votary of the DRS, but that did him in. He went after a James Pattinson delivery fired way down the legside and ’keeper Matthew Wade appealed for a catch.

Not too sure, South African umpire Marais Erasmus smartly referred it to the third umpire. Though DRS is not available for the series, the legality of the catch can be checked by the third umpire.

However, the rule says that he can also verify the basis of the appeal — whether there was a nick in the first place.

The third umpire ruled the catch legal and TV replays showed the ball had grazed the face of the bat and thus there was no deviation.

“The umpires can the check fairness of the catch or delivery through third umpire. While doing so, he can review all the aspects of the decision,” an international umpire said.

On Sunday too, the third umpire’s help was sought to review the legality of a catch against Pujara. It turned out the ball had bounced.